India-spec Toyota Hilux official; launch in March
The India-spec Toyota Hilux has officially been unveiled, however, its price announcement will only take place in March. Looks like Toyota is playing Skoda (just look at Kushaq and Slavia launch cycles).
The truck will be offered in India in two different trim levels: Low and High. Bookings for the Hilux are already open for a deposit of Rs 1 lakh. Toyota’s facility in Karnataka, India, will construct the Hilux using SKD kits.
There is just one body type for the Toyota Hilux in India: the double-cab. Having a 5,325mm overall length, a 1,855mm wide body, a 1,815mm height, and a 3,085mm wheelbase, the Hilux is pretty gargantuan.
A huge hexagonal chrome grille and LED headlights give the Hilux an entirely new look, although its fundamental shape has a passing resemblance to the Fortuner. The skid plate and black contrasting insets for the fog lights give the front bumper an aggressive aspect.
The Hilux’s length is most obvious when viewed from the side. Over the wheel arches, it gets thick, black plastic cladding that further enhances the vehicle’s tough appearance. At the back, the Hilux looks like any other regular pickup truck, although one with an excessive amount of chrome to suit the tastes of the locals. Similar to the Fortuner in India, the Hilux rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The truck will be offered in five different single-tone paint colours: Emotional Red, Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, and Super White.
In India, the Hilux and the Fortuner share a lot of interior trim and switchgear. Things like the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the stack of temperature controls, the instrument cluster, and the steering wheel are all shared with the Fortuner, even if the dashboard arrangement is slightly different. Even the seats at the front of the vehicle have been taken from the Fortuner.
In terms of features, the Toyota Hilux is well-equipped with LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and turn indicators, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, an electrochromic interior rearview mirror, a tyre angle monitor, active traction control, and an automated limited-slip differential.
To power the Hilux is the Fortuner’s 2.8-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, tuned to the exact same level of performance. That translates to 204 horsepower and 420/500Nm of torque. The Hilux’s 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission choices mirror those of the Fortuner.
In contrast, unlike the Fortuner, the Hilux can only be purchased in a 4×4 configuration. It is equipped with a low-range transmission with electronic differential locking on the front and rear for better off-road performance.
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